Crossroads Commerce Center

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Fernley's History: A Tradition of Economic Success

Crossroads Commerce Center can boast a long history of economic success associated with the Fernley/Lyon County area. To begin, in 1857 Nevada was considered the new territory in the Great American Basin. In 1864, after a considerable series of debates, the Spanish name for “snow-covered”—Nevada—was chosen as the new state’s name.

The Budding Economy and Railroad Distinction

After the economy-establishing influences of mining and other resources of prosperity emerged, farming, lumber, railroads, and water projects were crucial to the growth of Fernley, Nevada. The first known reference of Fernley appeared in the January 1905 Official Guide of the Railways and Steam Navigation of the United States, where Fernley was listed as a railroad stop.

The Fernley Depot

The Fernley and Lassen railway was one of the many subsidiaries of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, providing service for the Red River Lumber Company. The F&L Depot was historically associated with railroad transportation in Fernley. Now, the depot is the only surviving F&L building in Nevada; in 1986 the Fernley Preservation Society purchased the building and moved it to a parcel on Main Street. Restoration of the depot commenced and it reopened August 11, 2001.

Progressive Waterways and Continuous Industry

Francis G. Newlands, serving as a representative and senator of Nevada, promoted the irrigation of water from the Truckee and Carson Rivers to farms in Lyon and Churchill counties. The project irrigated land along the Carson River, Wadsworth, and the Fernley community.

The work on the proposed waterways and dams brought economic opportunities to the area. Derby Dam was completed in 1905 and the Lahontan Dam was complete in 1914. Agriculture, ranching, industry, and recreation are still alive and well in Fernley as it continues to build new homes and retail amenities and provide new employment opportunities for old and new residents alike.